How safe is it to fly on wet grass?

[Gordon Li-Ron]

I have a job today flying an SR3 and I have just been told thats it going to be a rain shoot. I am not really prepared as I don't have rain gear for my rig. Also, I am pretty sure some or all of these shots will be on grass. Is it safe to walk or even run...doesn't sound like it. Do I need cleats? As far as protecting my gear, should i just grab some plastic wrap or garbage bags and just tape it around my arm and the base of my sled? Would that suffice? thanks

 

 

Gordon

[Afton Grant]

For your gear protection, garbage bags will do the trick quickly. Get the clear plastic ones. For the future, look into something more custom fit. Jerry Hill and Camera Essentials both sell protective covers of different sorts. Although, since every setup is different, the clear garbage bag seems to be a staple in every operators toolbox.

 

As far as the grass goes, I would definitely suggest cleats. Even if your sneakers provided you with enough traction to prevent slipping on your specific shots, the fact that you are questioning it now should tell you to do whatever possible to prevent questioning it later; i.e. during the shot. You want full concentration on your frame, and if you are distracted or hesitant for any reason, you could either ruin a shot, or at least not have it as good as it could be. If cleats will give you the confidence to forget about that aspect of operating at least, I'd say get em.

 

Best,

Afton Grant

[Jason Torbitt]

I would second Afton's comments - I have the Jerry Hill 2 piece arm cover, which works wonderfully, and also sled covers from Camera Essentials, which I am also extremely happy with. As I said in another thread, the clear plastic refuse sacks are the way to go to protect the camera and parts of the sled if you feel you need it. It is also worth thinking about protection when you're docked - I have some extra large clear plastic rubbish bags that I just put upside down over the entire camera and rig when it's docked on the stand, useful. (and cheap/free, even better!)

[RobVanGelder]

Having done a similar shooting recently I can only promote to get yourself a good set of soccer shoes!

 

My shoot was also a football team with a monsoon like rain and on the very first take the soundman slipped on his butt and almost under me and my rig because he had normal trainers.

 

because of changes in camera position (High and Low mode with Moviecam Compact) we used clear plastic bags and cling-film (?) to protect as much as we could.

[Hervé Colosio]

something is important too ,

when you protect monitors , specialy lcd monitors , let the air going inside the rain protection . dont close completly . this tip is very important if you shoot in a hot country or if there is sun/rain .

when you have finished your shoot remove the cover . this is important on hot electronic parts , sometimes on camera too . i have had big problems with a Dlink camera after 1 hour of sun/rain , the humidity have reach the electonics inside the camera .

[Buster Arrieta]

... and football soccer shoes too

[Ari Gertler]

FIRST find out what type of turf you will be filming on. There are quite a few "astro type" turfs in the LA area. They are GREAT for Steadicam. They have a rubber backing and finnily chopped tire pieces throughout. I have never felt so fast in my life, and since it is often MUCH shorter than regular grass (1/4-1/2 inch) I have found it to seem much safer/ less slipping. Just make sure that you buy Cleats for both real (long) and Fake (short) types of grass.

 

I have also found it imperative to have a roll of good "cling wrap". Quick easy fix for leaks that may be coming through your rain gear /bags. It often holds better than tape, and you can easily/quickly rip it off to get to components you need, then just do another quick wrap before the shot.

 

Personnely I always bring extra shoes, lots of socks, base ball caps (keeps rain machine out of face), and often the beach life guard hat. Flipped down (think extra large S.E. Asian/ Vietnamese "peasant"/farm working hat). It is like wearing a large umbrella on my head that keeps my body and face dry in the rain. JUst flip up the edges (into Lifeguard style) when shooting to keep the rims away from the rig. They can be found at any Surf shop in the Los Angeles area. Plus it is the best Summer-dessert -sun hat I have found, it is large enough to keep the scorching sun in the MOjave off your entire face and upper body.

 

 

Ari Gertler

[Stephen Press]

I?m a big fan of the clear showercaps you get in hotel rooms, they sit overt the monitor nicely and are good for keeping the rain off the lens between shoots, so I always load up on them when traveling.